One blog. Two opinions. One zillion films.

Yes, To Die For is Kidman’s best.  The Hours rendered her totally unrecognizable, and as I believe she received a nomination–if not the Oscar–for that performance I wonder why she doesn’t seek out more character roles.

Kidman is manikin-like.  Prop her up in Macy’s front window, she’d be the perfect department store dummy.  I bet her figure serves as the blank for many a fashion designer’s workshop.   She’s become totally icy; plastic, like a Barbie doll.   Move her arms and legs around, sit her behind down in the Barbie Doll House in front of her closet full of evening gowns, Valley of the Dolls style.  See Barbie rescue Keith Urban!

Nicole’s been laying lots of box office eggs.  She’s bloodless.  And as you point out, she’s capable of so much more.   Kidman is the other reason I’ve not been tempted to see Australia. Hard to reward repeatedly dull performances.

I used to torture my Barbie dolls.

T.

I love taking dictation.  Quite old fashioned, but I’ve become good at it, so I like it.  QED!

I mention this because I just spoke with our friend Susan Carlman about Australia.  She did go to see it, and, like K., enjoyed it.  Susan is an ‘old soul.’  That’s a compliment; she values tradition and feels epic, romantic tales in her heart.  Goose bump city.  Anyway, Susan spoke, I typed, and here’s her review:

“Australia is an old-fashioned story.  Lots of people have compared it to Gone With the Wind, and I suppose that is fine if one agrees that this is a panoramic love story.

My favorite part of the story line is the connection between the Aboriginal elder and his grandson; the spirit magic they shared and the ways they communicated with each other using that magic.”

I asked Susan if any part of the movie surprised her.  She had to think about that.  This  is why I’ve not gone to see Australia, because I sense no big surprises.  I sense formula.

Her answer: No big surprises, other than the lovers reunite.  “From a female point of view, I’m not a fan of Kidman’s,” says Susan.  “She’s glamourous, drop-dead gorgeous, but I haven’t liked her in a film in a long while; not since The Hours.  Jackman is gorgeous, too.   I felt the story could have continued—not that there’s a sequel suggested.  I mean that it is a long film, and many times you think it’s over, and it’s not.   I mean that I enjoyed it enough to sit there longer, if there’d been more.

That’s a surprise; just when you think the movie is over, WWI erupts.  The battleship scenes were obviously computer generated, though.”

Susan likes happy endings. She’s sick of cynical “love never works out” resolution.  She refuses to stop believing in romance.  Favorite planet: Venus.

She mentioned two themes:  Jackman’s drover character realizes he is running away from life and its perceived entanglements.   Kidman adopts an Aboriginal child because she cannot have children.

Predictable?

Oh, and the scenery, like Kidman and Jackman, is gorgeous.

Oh, and I spelled glamorous in a British way: glamourous.  Because it’s more glamourous.   Ignoring red line!

T.

Dear David, K. and Dyson-

The Happiest of Holidays to you.  And will you join me in sending wishes for Peace and Joy to all our community and friends?  We may even get a little of that action come 2009.    I believe in lighting lots of candles, rubbing one’s face in the snow, making snow angels, reading, writing, singing, music, skiing of the x-country kind, small white rabbits named Minnie & Pearl,  Oscar-worthy movies, beloved family, beloved friends, and treating all as we, ourselves, would want to be treated.   Oh, and many dogs out there that I love, too!    Merry Christmas Louie, Jessie, Patton, Hazell, Sasha, Athena, and Harpo!

Susan went to see Australia.  Perhaps I can phone interview her and post her thoughts.

Shameless Obama/Inaugural promotion:  Ring in the New Administration on 1/20/09 at Pub Place with the Recessions and some get down dancing!

Tammy